WEST Dorset lifesavers are the stars of a RNLI Christmas advert.

The short film, shot on location at the lifeboat station in Lyme Regis, highlights the dedication and commitment of volunteers who will be spending the Christmas period on call – as the charity asks for help from the public to ensure their volunteers can continue saving lives.

Away from the big budgets of modern day television ads, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) decided to produce the film in-house, and features members of the volunteer crew of the RNLI’s lifeboat in Lyme Regis who will be on standby ready for action over the holiday season.

The advert invites the public to make a donation to the RNLI's Christmas appeal.

The festive film follows 26-year-old full-time TV production coordinator and crew member, Georgia Robson. Whilst preparing Christmas dinner, she has to drop everything and leave her family behind race to Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station at the sound of her pager.

Jayne George, director of fundraising, media and marketing, said, "The RNLI’s lifesavers faced an extraordinary summer this year, and they are still working to keep our coasts safe.

"This Christmas, volunteers across the UK and Ireland will be leaving their loved ones behind to save others and our festive film brings this sentiment to life.

"While our lifesavers have been incredibly busy this year as lockdown restrictions lifted and people flocked to the coast, we’ve suffered a loss in income as our shops had to close and fundraising events were cancelled due to the pandemic. We’re asking for the public’s help this festive season to ensure the RNLI can keep on saving lives by supporting our Christmas appeal."

Whilst RNLI volunteers have continued to work throughout the pandemic to keep coastlines safe, the charity has lost millions due to the impact of coronavirus.

To make a donation to the RNLI’s Christmas appeal visit www.rnli.org/Xmas